Five things we learnt from the Anzac Test

1. The Kiwis have pride: This was supposed to be the worst New Zealand side in history. Boy didn’t they prove the doubters wrong. Undeniably understrength, the Kiwis still put up an effort better than most expected. Had injuries to key players in the lead up to the game not decimated them they would have been a better chance ... and maybe if they'd picked Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, too.

2. Sydneysiders care about Test football: The crowd of 25,459 was enough to show that this Test match has a place on the calendar. While Origin remains a perennial sell-out, Test football is yet to fully captivate the Sydney market, but this is a good start.

Sweet 16: This could be the best Australian side ever. Photo: Anthony Johnson

3. This could be the best Australian side ever: The Kiwis were undermanned, but don’t discredit this Kangaroos side. Their victory was a 16th consecutive Test win, which equals the longest in international rugby league, set by the Australian side between 1979 and 1983. That era includes The Invincibles. This side will have the chance to beat that record when they compete in the four nations later this year.

4. NSW are a hope: Melbourne’s “big three” of Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Billy Slater have struggled to find rhythm so far this year. As a trio, they again weren’t at their best on Friday night, with Slater in particular struggling to reach his lofty standards. Has age finally caught up with them? NSW will be hoping their run of indifferent performances continues into the upcoming Origin series.

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5. Morris and Inglis close in: Brett Morris is arguably the greatest finisher in the game and his two tries saw him climb to 23 four-pointers for Australia. Teammate Greg Inglis joined him on 23 when he scored in the second half. Should the duo remain fit, there is no doubt they’ll go past Darren Lockyer’s record of 35 tries for Australia at some point.